[Romero] Dominican SS Jhoan De La Cruz (17) officially signed with the San Diego Padres today. Bonus deal: $1,000,000. From San Pedro de Macoris, a switch-hitter with bat speed that generates solid contact. Trained by the Ysbel Medina Academy.
The talent from San Pedro de Macorís, Dominican Republic, could make its own All-Star lineup over the past 30 years — Fernando Tatis Jr., Alfonso Soriano, Robinson Canó, Sammy Sosa and others all called the city with a population just north of 200,000 home. De La Cruz looks to follow in those footsteps, drawing rave reviews already for his aptitude on the field and knowledge of in-game scenarios. He trains with Ysbel Medina in Santo Domingo North.
A switch-hitter, De La Cruz has supremely quick hands which help him get the barrel of the bat through the zone. While he does tend to sell out for power on occasion, he uses the opposite field well from both sides of the dish, giving confidence that the overall hit tool will continue to develop unabated. His knowledge of the strike zone also earns marks and he keeps his stroke short, integral traits for young hitters facing advanced arms.
De La Cruz’s footwork and instincts will keep him an up-the-middle defender as he gets his feet wet in pro ball. His arm is just average to solid, but his range will garner him looks at the six, even if the keystone may be his long-term home. There is still room to add good weight to his frame, which could unlock some basestealing prowess in time.
Huh.
Well this is just a _few_ hours more than _in a few hours _.
Iykyk.
Thought he was scheduled for 2.5m? 1m is less than half.
They still have some 3m left. Wonder if there are more targets.
Will he be better than Sasaki? Remind me in 10 years
17 huh?
Anybody know how we’re supposed to pronounce his first name?
more shortstops for the fire, I guess
The future is bright for our minor league team
That is a huge discount off his expected signing bonus.
![[Romero] Dominican SS Jhoan De La Cruz (17) officially signed with the San Diego Padres today. Bonus deal: $1,000,000. From San Pedro de Macoris, a switch-hitter with bat speed that generates solid contact. Trained by the Ysbel Medina Academy.](https://www.rawchili.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/73a1s8m0jlee1-960x1024.jpg)
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MLB International Rank: 21
The talent from San Pedro de Macorís, Dominican Republic, could make its own All-Star lineup over the past 30 years — Fernando Tatis Jr., Alfonso Soriano, Robinson Canó, Sammy Sosa and others all called the city with a population just north of 200,000 home. De La Cruz looks to follow in those footsteps, drawing rave reviews already for his aptitude on the field and knowledge of in-game scenarios. He trains with Ysbel Medina in Santo Domingo North.
A switch-hitter, De La Cruz has supremely quick hands which help him get the barrel of the bat through the zone. While he does tend to sell out for power on occasion, he uses the opposite field well from both sides of the dish, giving confidence that the overall hit tool will continue to develop unabated. His knowledge of the strike zone also earns marks and he keeps his stroke short, integral traits for young hitters facing advanced arms.
De La Cruz’s footwork and instincts will keep him an up-the-middle defender as he gets his feet wet in pro ball. His arm is just average to solid, but his range will garner him looks at the six, even if the keystone may be his long-term home. There is still room to add good weight to his frame, which could unlock some basestealing prowess in time.
Huh.
Well this is just a _few_ hours more than _in a few hours _.
Iykyk.
Thought he was scheduled for 2.5m? 1m is less than half.
They still have some 3m left. Wonder if there are more targets.
Will he be better than Sasaki? Remind me in 10 years
17 huh?
Anybody know how we’re supposed to pronounce his first name?
more shortstops for the fire, I guess
The future is bright for our minor league team
That is a huge discount off his expected signing bonus.
Preller be like
https://preview.redd.it/d31wyryzzmee1.jpeg?width=665&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c559cb99231cf008961dc3ba362a383933bb30e7
Plethora of switch hitting SS to see which one sticks, or gets moved to outfield, or gets traded for a starting pitcher.
Better than Sasaki
We can train him up so he’s ready for the dodgers or yankees later.